A Tennessee-based trucking company, IMC Transport, is facing financial hurdles due to the costs associated with operating electric semis mandated by the state of California. The company has reportedly had to raise delivery prices to break even, citing additional expenses compared to diesel trucks.
The increased operational costs stem from prolonged idle hours spent on chargers, for which drivers must still be compensated, and reduced carrying loads due to the added weight of the electric vehicle (EV) batteries. IMC Transport currently relies on Volvo electric semis to comply with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets Regulation.
According to a Wall Street Journal investigation, truckers at IMC Transport are grappling with challenges such as locating powerful enough chargers and spending up to 15 hours per week charging, impacting their paid working time. The charging infrastructure in California, designed to replace diesel rigs with electric semis, is still evolving, forcing truckers to use charging stations not always suitable for parking semis.
Truckers often have to detach trailers and charge with only the truck’s cab, then return to pick up the trailer later. This, coupled with idle charging time, results in fewer job opportunities and reduced daily load miles compared to diesel trucks. Additionally, the electric semis carry less cargo due to the substantial weight of the batteries.
While drivers appreciate the smooth operation and reduced noise of electric rigs, their job commissions and take-home pay are reportedly lower when operating these vehicles. IMC Transport disclosed that, based on their calculations for a daily route, they incurred a loss of $310 by operating an electric semi instead of a diesel truck. Consequently, the company has implemented a surcharge on delivery costs to offset these financial challenges. As manufacturers like Volvo phase out diesel rig production, trucking companies may face limited choices in the evolving landscape of electric transportation.
